A Better Transition for Manufacturing Business Owners
You’ve Built a Business That Matters.
Let’s Keep It That Way.
We work with entrepreneurs to acquire and grow exceptional American manufacturing businesses. But it starts with YOU - the owner who spent years building something strong, valuable, and enduring.
If you’re thinking about stepping back, but don’t want to sell to a traditional private equity firm, we understand. You want the next chapter of your business to be handled with care. That’s exactly what we do.
Your Legacy - Our Priority
We acquire and operate manufacturing businesses with:
Strong foundations (not perfection),
$3–20M in annual revenue, and
Owners ready for transition, whether that means stepping away now or over time.
We're not institutional buyers or financial engineers. We're hands-on operators, backed by values-driven capital and entrepreneurial experience.
What Makes Us Different
Long-Term Stewardship: We’re not flippers. We aim to grow the business over 10+ years.
Respect for Your People: Your team stays intact. No slash-and-burn cost cuts.
Manufacturing-Focused: We understand the shop floor and the back office. It’s what we do.
Flexible Transition: Stay involved or step away - it’s your choice.
Meet Your Team
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Michael Fox
FOUNDER & DEAL STRATEGIST
Michael is a former engineer turned entrepreneur with deep experience operating and growing manufacturing companies. He launched ZorroCap to deliver a better kind of transition for business owners, one grounded in operational know-how and legacy preservation. Michael doesn’t do deal talk you’ll get a thoughtful conversation with someone who genuinely wants to understand your story and steward your business forward.
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Beate Blaich-Smith
ENTREPRENEUR & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION
As a Manufacturing Works Leadership Institute alumna, Beate is deeply connected to the manufacturing ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. Her approach blends strategic insight, hands-on support, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results. At ZorroCap, she works alongside founders and entrepreneurs to ensure their business continues to thrive in the next chapter.
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Scott A. Smith
ENTREPRENEUR & MANUFACTURING LEADER
Scott is a manufacturing veteran with over 30 years of experience. He began his career as a line operator at Whirlpool ascended through the ranks holding roles in purchasing, scheduling, and industrial engineering to becoming an international manufacturing consultant. His expertise is in process optimization, workforce efficiency, and successful new product launches.
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Frank Injic
M&A ADVISOR & STRATEGIC GROWTH EXPERT
Frank brings 20+ years of cross-functional expertise spanning finance, accounting, operations, strategic planning, and M&A. He has a proven track record of increasing profitability, streamlining operations, and leading successful acquisitions and integrations. With experience as Interim CFO, PMO Director, and Controller, Frank combines strategic insight with hands-on operational execution.
What We Bring to the Table
Hands-On Manufacturing Experience: We don’t just invest, we operate. We’ve walked in your shoes and understand the challenges and opportunities of running a manufacturing business.
Values-Driven Transitions: We structure transitions to honor your legacy - not disrupt it.
Operational & Go-to-Market Expertise: From factory optimization to strategic marketing, we help your business thrive under new leadership.
Considering a Transition?
Let’s Talk!
Wether you’re actively planning your exit or just starting to think it through, we’d love to hear from you.
Schedule a confidential conversation and see if we might be the right fit for your legacy.
Contact Us
Michael - 216-702-6800
Beate - 440-409-1649